On Monday, April 2, Ken Hutchings of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at CapitalCare Lynnwood. Ken is survived by his children, Ken (Alberta) of Edmonton, Eric (Arriya) of Bangkok, Dawna (Martin) Nighbor of North Bay, Jack (Tracy) of Stony Plain, and Lois (Bob) Thurstan of Edmonton; 20 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; sister, Allwyn Ruttan of St. Albert; sister-in-law, Evelyn of Gibbons; as well as many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Myrtle, of 63 years; parents, Fred and Jennie; sister, Mildred (Robert) Chalmers; brother, Fred (Viola); brother, George (Marion); brother, Tom (Jean); sister, Muriel (Jack) McMahon; brother, Murray “Roy”; and brother-in-law, Don Ruttan.
Ken was born in Edmonton on November 4, 1925 and was raised on a farm by Gibbons, Alberta. Prior to graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1949, Ken attended Olds College. He worked with Agriculture Canada in Beaverlodge, Alberta; Hythe, Alberta; and Kingston, Ontario. A job promotion took Ken back to Edmonton in 1959 where he worked until he retired in 1981.
Shortly after retirement Ken undertook agriculture assignments in the Philippines. Over the years that followed, Ken and Myrtle enjoyed travelling to more than 60 countries.
He passed on to his children a passion for the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and travelling. Ken will be remembered for his great love of writing, especially poetry. He proudly recited his works from memory, even at the age of 92. Ken lived life to the fullest and took special pride in assisting all of his family.
Ken was proud to be one of the Edmonton’s original pioneer families. He was a grandson of the late Thomas Gifford Hutchings, a member of the Edmonton Century Family
Ken’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the caring staff of 4P, CapitalCare Lynnwood for their wonderful care of Ken.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held for family and friends on Friday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church (9009 -163 St) Edmonton, AB.